Kihi Shrine 気比神社

This shrine was established in 1337 but is said to have existed as a place of worship before the 12th century since we have found a sword, presumably given by Minamoto no Yoshiie in 1091 as a protective war amulet.

Kihi Shrine’s name is composed of the characters for “food” (“ki” 気) and “spirit” (“hi” 比). It worships Ukemochi no Kami (goddess of cereals and food), the Empress Jingu, and the legendary Yamato Takeru.

National Natural Monument: Kihi Shrine’s forest & lake

Located only 800 meters (0.5 miles) from the coast, this sacred forest hosts more than 450 species of plants that thrive around its lake. The forest is particularly known for its big number of trees:

around 200 beech trees and 180 zelkova trees have been standing in the forest for several centuries.

Around the lake, you will find several worshipping altars dedicated to the goddess of food: Ukemochi no okami.